PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Providence College men's basketball team will make its first appearance in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) since 2009 when the No. 4 seed Friars host the No. 5 seed UNC Charlotte 49ers on Wednesday, March 20 at 7:15 p.m. on ESPN3 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence. The winner of the Providence/UNC Charlotte game will face the winner of the Kentucky/Robert Morris game on March 21-25.

Fans can purchase tickets starting tonight (Sunday, March 17) at 10 p.m. online at www.friars.com. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online and choose our print at home option to avoid delays. Fans interested in purchasing tickets also can call or visit the Providence College ticket office at 401-865-GO PC starting Monday morning (March 18) at 8:30 a.m. Fans also can purchase tickets at the Dunkin' Donuts Center Box Office starting on Tuesday. The cost of the tickets are $10 for upper arena and $15 for lower arena seating. For inquiries about group sales, please call Erin Dunn at 401-865-1983.

The Friars, who finished the regular season in eighth place in the BIG EAST with a 9-9 mark, have registered a 17-14 record overall.

Providence will be making its 19th appearance in the NIT. The Friars, who won the NIT in 1961 and 1963, have registered a 30-19 mark all-time in NIT games. In the Friars' most recent NIT game, Providence was defeated by Miami, 78-66, in the First Round on March 18, 2009.

Wednesday's game will mark the second meeting all-time between Providence and UNC Charlotte. In the first meeting, the Friars defeated the 49ers, 67-62, on November 28, 2008 in the 76 Classic in Anaheim, Calif.

The 49ers finished the season with a 21-11 record. Charlotte placed ninth in the Atlantic 10 Conference with an 8-8 mark. They won their opening game in the A-10 Tournament with a 68-63 victory over Richmond on March 14. In their most recent game, they were defeated by St. Louis, 72-55, in the A-10 Quarterfinals on March 15. The 49ers are making their 18th postseason tournament appearance and first since reaching the NIT in 2008.